Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands’ fibers. Hair collected near the scalp offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields about 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Drug test results in a laboratory are processed chiefly in four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing within a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were correctly handled, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry not addressed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening functions as a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical method to preclude drug use across most samples, positive screening outcomes necessitate confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptively positive Screening results mandate a secondary confirmation step.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. The Extraction stage involves removing drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized through the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Adairsville, GA, hair follicle testing offers superior benefits compared to traditional urine tests. The advanced accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use make hair tests a preferred choice. With a longer detection period, they provide a more comprehensive overview, dramatically outperforming urine tests when it comes to uncovering sustained substance use over time.
With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing in Adairsville, GA, provides employers with an extensive overview of an individual's substance history. This technique surpasses other methods by identifying patterns of use over a substantial period, aiding in more informed decision-making processes regarding employment and adherence to drug-free policies.
In Adairsville, GA, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, making them a highly reliable method for drug testing. This tamper-resistant process offers reassuring accuracy, ensuring results are both trustworthy and unquestionable. The robustness of this testing method enhances credibility, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing results.
In Adairsville, GA, our nationwide hair follicle testing locations offer unparalleled convenience. Accessible testing centers make the process swift and hassle-free, facilitating quick and easy testing services. The broad availability ensures that clients, no matter their location, can benefit from reliable and efficient service without inconvenience.
The hair follicle testing process in Adairsville, GA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to results, each step is streamlined for user-friendliness, respecting privacy and ensuring ease of use. Clients can confidently navigate the testing procedure, reassured by the focus on confidentiality and straightforward operations.
In Adairsville, GA, our hair follicle testing boasts competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. By offering excellent value without compromising on quality, companies of all sizes can benefit from our services. The affordability combined with swift results provides significant advantages, ensuring peace of mind and reliable drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Adairsville, GA, stand out for their precision and rapid results, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. The high level of accuracy achieved through hair testing methods provides confidence in identifying drug use effectively. Quick processing times enhance their utility, making them ideal for scenarios where reliable results are essential.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Adairsville, GA, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. By adopting this method, companies can minimize legal risks and enhance safety, maintaining a secure and compliant working environment. The reliability of hair testing facilitates adherence to regulations, reinforcing a commitment to safety.
